Final `On the Street Event` of the 2025–2026 Season

On Sunday, May 24th, the SSVP Youth Conference in London, Ontario, held its final On the Street Event of the 2025–2026 school year. We had hundreds of supplies to give out and were blessed to serve over 150 people living on the streets. By partnering with Goodwill, Clothing Works, the SSVP store in London, and four schools, we received generous donations ranging from hygiene products to hardware and backpacks. This collective effort provided an enormous supply of essential items that we were able to distribute to those in need, items that were greatly needed and provide a sense of dignity.

As a youth who has been serving with the Society for almost eight years now, this event never fails to fill my heart with joy and love. You really couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a Sunday than beginning your day at Mass, hearing the Gospel, and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, then going out that same afternoon to spread the Gospel and be a beacon of light and love to our London friends who are living with so little. This is exactly what our mission as a Society is: “to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, and joy”.



One of my favourite parts of these events is seeing families come together to serve. Everyone works tirelessly to organize hygiene products, hardware, children's items, clothing, shoes, food, and so much more, making it easy for those who come through to choose what they need. It is truly inspiring to witness so many people giving their time and energy to help others in such a meaningful way.

Every time I attend an On the Street Event, I am reminded that the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Something as simple as a clean shirt or a bar of soap, things many of us take for granted, can bring such a big smile to someone's face and give them a little hope for a brighter tomorrow.



When I was younger, I used to shy away from people I saw living on the streets because I didn't know what to say or how to help. Through serving at these events, I have learned the importance of seeing Christ in those who are suffering and sharing His love with them through simple acts of kindness, little conversation like “how are you?”, and compassion. It has completely changed the way I see others and has strengthened my own faith in ways I have never expected.

At our final On the Street Event, we were also blessed to have the Saint Andre Bessette Chaplaincy Team from one of our local Catholic high schools join us in serving. It was incredible to watch them put their faith into action and experience firsthand how even the smallest acts of kindness can have such a meaningful impact. They served with joyful hearts, and it was clear they left the day with smiles on their faces and a deeper appreciation for the difference they can make in the lives of others.

I am so grateful to be part of a Society that gives us opportunities like these to encounter Christ through serving others. Every On the Street Event is a reminder that while we may be handing out clothing, food, or hygiene items, what we are really sharing is the hope, dignity, and the love of Christ.

Victoria Wright
Vice President – Saint Louise de Marillac Youth Conference
Holy Family Parish, London, ON.